Skip to main content

Stovetop Quinoa

This grain-like seed is quick to cook and has an earthy flavor that goes well in salads, soups and stews.
Bowls of cooked quinoa.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Makes: 3 cups
Nutrition Facts: View label

Ingredients

1 cup quinoa (if not pre-rinsed, rinse well using a fine-mesh strainer)
2 cups water
¼ teaspoon salt (optional)

Directions

  1. Wash hands with soap and water.
  2. In a saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add quinoa and salt, if desired, and return the mixture to a boil.
  3. Reduce heat to low, cover pan and simmer for 12 minutes.
  4. Turn off heat and let stand until water is absorbed and quinoa has the texture you like, about 5 to 10 minutes.
  5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

  • For more flavor, cook with broth or milk instead of water.
  • For a roasted flavor, toast the grains in the saucepan. Stir the grains around at medium heat for a few minutes before adding liquid.
  • Topping ideas: fresh, frozen or dried fruit; milk or yogurt; chopped nuts or seeds; cinnamon or other spices. Savory toppings include vegetables and cheese.
  • Add to soups, grain bowls or grain salads.
  • No strainer? Use a clean coffee filter.

Comments

This is a no-fail way to cook quinoa. Turning off the heat and letting it sit to soak up remaining water keeps it from being soggy and overcooked.

You might also like...

Recipes A to Z (without photos)

Split Pea Soup
Two bowls of green and yellow pea and vegetable soup.

Split Pea Soup

Simple 5-ingredient split pea soup. Hot, creamy and comforting on a cold day.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
60 minutes
Makes:
9 Cups
Smashed Garbanzo Bean Salad
Bread topped with Smashed Garbanzo Bean Salad

Smashed Garbanzo Bean Salad

Garbanzo beans and crunchy vegetables make a delicious sandwich filling or chunky dip.
Prepare:
20 minutes
Makes:
3 cups
Easy Skillet Chili
Small bowl of chili with beans, ground meat and vegetables.

Easy Skillet Chili

Creamy beans, plenty of spices and chopped tomatoes make a tasty chili in under an hour!
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
45 minutes
Makes:
7 cups
White Chicken Chili
Small bowl of creamy chicken and bean soup served with crackers.

White Chicken Chili

Kid-approved dinner idea that is creamy, comforting and ready in 1 hour.
Prepare:
20 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
8 cups
Lentil Confetti Salad
Rice, lentil and vegetable dish garnished with parsley

Lentil Confetti Salad

A lentil and rice salad mixed with an Italian dressing that makes a hearty and satisfying side dish.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
20 minutes
Makes:
4 cups
Blueberry Crisp
A dish of baked blueberries with a golden oat topping.

Blueberry Crisp

Blueberries are the star in this low-sugar dessert made with whole-grain oats and warm cinnamon spice.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
2 cups